Red Bull in ‘Good Shape’ After Friday Practice in Barcelona

It was Mark Webber who came out on top for Red Bull today for Friday in Spain, setting the fastest lap time in both this morning’s and this afternoon’s practice session.

“The car ran well today,” said the Australian. “We've still got some work to do, but it was one of our better Fridays. It's the first time we've run the RB7 in Barcelona in these temperatures, so the team's learned quite a lot. Tyres are a big factor here, we know that, so we will be looking to manage them as best we can.

“It's always been a reasonable track for me here, with a good result last year, so I hope to keep that trend going this weekend.”

Sebastian Vettel was on the heels of his team-mate in Free Practice 1 this morning, but his lap-time in FP2 was also beaten by Lewis Hamilton. However, the reigning world champion continues to be upbeat about his chances of another victory, although acknowledges that others are more competitive here this weekend.

“It was a very productive day – it was the first real chance we had with the new spec of hard tyres – and I can confirm they are pretty hard!” Vettel exclaimed. “All in all it was good, this morning wasn't maybe ideal, but this afternoon I was happy. I think it will be tight this weekend, we look in good shape, but the others seem quick as well.”